Cite Sources: Introduction

You need to cite your sources in any research paper that you write and to give credit to those who have done original research and have written a journal article or book. This allows your instructor to view the sources that you used and to find out whether you have properly understood what the author was trying to say.

The Reference List citations and in-text citations show that you have consulted different sources as the assignment required. In addition, a bibliography allows readers to track down the sources that you used in order to enhance their knowledge.

When writing your paper, remember to cite sources for any information that is not your original work. This includes direct quotes, paraphrased content, and ideas that are not your own. Citing sources ensures academic integrity and acknowledges the contributions of others to your work.

Common knowledge, which is defined as something that can be easily found in five sources or more, does not require a citation. Example: "Presidents' Day in the United States is observed on the third Monday in February."

If you are in doubt about whether something should be cited or not, then go ahead and cite it.

Different citation styles are used depending on your academic program/major. At Harcum College, the commonly used styles are:

• AMA - Medicine and Health
• APA - Psychology, Education, and other Social Sciences
• ASA - Sociology
• MLA - English and the Humanities
• NLM - Medicine and Health

Your choice of citation style will be guided by your academic program and instructor. For more information, click on the Plagiarism and Academic Integrity tab.

• Abstract - A concise summary or overview of the main points and content of a longer work.

• Bibliography -  A list of all sources consulted and cited while writing a research paper or document.

• Citation - Essential details needed to identify and locate a book, article, or other source. Citations vary by format and citation style.

• Citation Style - A set of rules that determines the format for presenting citation information, including the order of details, punctuation, and overall formatting.

• In-text Citation - A brief reference within the body of your work that provides enough information to identify the full source listed in your reference list.

• MLA Works Cited / APA References List - Lists of sources cited or referenced in a research paper or presentation, formatted according to MLA or APA style guidelines, respectively.